I Can Control My Ancestors-Chapter 51 - 20: Managing the Great River and Envoy to the Western Regions, Achievements on Both Fronts

Chapter 51: Chapter 20: Managing the Great River and Envoy to the Western Regions, Achievements on Both Fronts
——A perfect assist!
As soon as Gu Kang spoke,
the atmosphere in the great hall instantly transformed.
The ministers immediately understood, first glancing at Gu Kang, then sneaking looks at Liu Zhuang.
Their lips trembled slightly, yet as if something was stuck in their throats, they couldn’t speak.
What more could they say?
The tide had turned!
Previously, they used Liu Xiu’s former actions, coupled with the heavenly signs, to push Liu Zhuang to a dead end.
And now, they had to face the consequences of the reversal of the situation.
The tide had become irreversible!
Although only one of the four routes of the army achieved a great victory.
The other three routes were fruitless, yet they suffered no casualties.
That was enough!
If one still thought of using this as an excuse to stop Liu Zhuang, one would have to ask oneself if their neck was strong enough!
These ministers were not foolish; after a brief silence, they all bowed to Liu Zhuang and loudly congratulated:
"Congratulations, Your Majesty!!!"
Liu Zhuang looked at Gu Kang, his smile growing wider.
His favor towards Gu Kang was not solely due to his talents.
It was also because Gu Kang could always stand on the same side as him and cooperate perfectly.
"Good! Good!"
Liu Zhuang praised repeatedly, then ordered, "Immediately announce this to the world."
"Our Han Army has won!"
"And it was a great victory!"
"Additionally, announce my decree, all troops of the northern expedition are to be rewarded!"
At this moment, Liu Zhuang displayed the demeanor of a wise ruler, systematically conducting a series of rewarding measures.
Dou Gu was directly promoted to General of Conquered.
This was expected, as Dou Gu was originally a Captain in Carriage, and now having achieved great merit, becoming a general without a specific title was also reasonable.
The surprising one was Gu Cheng.
Liu Zhuang actually wanted to appoint him as General of Breaking Prisoners, alongside Dou Gu, both as generals without specific titles.
This decision truly surprised everyone.
It’s known that although Gu Cheng also achieved great merit this time, he was originally just a military Sima, far below Dou Gu.
Logically, rewarding him as an adjutant general would be most appropriate, appointing him as a general without a specific title seemed a bit too much.
The ministers were all astonished.
Some even immediately advised that this move might cause instability at the frontier.
After all, if both are generals without specific titles, whom would they listen to in the future?
But Liu Zhuang did not mind at all, directly suppressing the emotions of the crowd.
Though what they said might be correct,
it was not applicable now.
Who was Gu Cheng?
He was the son of Gu Xiao!
His status among these meritorious families already held enough influence.
Not to mention the Gu Clan was no longer what it was when Gu Kang and Gu Cheng first stepped into Luoyang.
In today’s world, who would dare underestimate the Gu Clan?
Moreover, Gu Cheng had achieved such great merit this time?
To this, Gu Kang didn’t say much.
He naturally knew that Liu Zhuang did this to prevent Dou Gu from becoming too dominant on the frontier.
If there hadn’t been a suitable choice, Liu Zhuang might not have done this, but with Gu Cheng now, he was destined to manage everything well.
He was that kind of Emperor.
The Emperor’s Heart Skill, the art of balance.
Then, Liu Zhuang appointed Ban Chao as a military Sima, and rewarded all the soldiers on this mission. ...
.....
South Palace.
"Hahaha, what a joy! Today is truly a joyous day!"
After many days, Liu Zhuang’s hearty laughter finally echoed in the South Palace once again.
He had been suppressing himself for too long.
Even though he was an Emperor, he couldn’t completely resolve such matters, only continue suppressing them in his heart.
Today, this heart knot was finally untied.
Gu Kang also rarely showed a smile in front of Liu Zhuang.
Gu Cheng had finally made achievements.
This brought him closer to the goal he set when he returned to Luoyang years ago.
If things continue smoothly, the Gu Clan might witness the glory of having two marquises in Liu Zhuang’s reign.
By then, the Gu Clan would have the prestige of being one of the most powerful clans in the world!
How could he not be delighted?
"Jishi, you shall dine in the palace today."
Liu Zhuang, in high spirits, promptly suggested, "You and I, as sovereign and minister, should have a good chat like in the old days."
Clearly, the events of Liu Xiu’s unfinished grand plans and his sudden demise left a deep impression on him.
He did not want to waste any time.
"I shall obey," Gu Kang replied with a smile and a cupped fist salute.
The two dined together in the South Palace and naturally discussed state affairs.
Now that the tide had turned, their gaze naturally shifted to the Western Regions.
And events unfolded just as they would in historical development.
Liu Zhuang planned to send Ban Chao as an envoy to the Western Regions, leveraging the prestige of this great victory of the Han Army to pacify the Western Regions in one fell swoop.
Gu Kang wholeheartedly agreed with this.
Since Ban Chao and Gu Cheng became sworn brothers, he had interacted with Ban Chao multiple times.
People with high political acumen usually have one trait.
That is the ability to discern people.
Gu Kang had long understood Ban Chao’s talents, not to mention he had achieved merit now.
But Gu Kang brought up another matter.
——Water management!
"Your Majesty!"
"Since the time of Emperor Ping, the great rivers and Bian River have breached and flooded numerous times, causing the people great suffering and countless casualties."
"Subsequent chaos nationwide hasn’t allowed for proper management."
"Now, as prosperity comes, the people on both banks still suffer greatly. I have carefully investigated this matter, and the people all hope the court can manage the great rivers."
"This is the will of the people."
"I believe the time is ripe for water management."
Gu Kang unreservedly shared his thoughts.
In fact, he had long harbored this idea.
Gu Kang, extremely knowledgeable in agriculture, was well aware of the harm of flooding to agriculture.